Flying from Colombo to Nairobi: what you need to know
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Colombo's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Colombo to Nairobi jetting off from here.
When it comes to landing in Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport (WIL) are the major entry points.
To ensure you catch your Colombo to Nairobi flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Colombo to Nairobi
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap Colombo to Nairobi flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Colombo to Nairobi throughout the month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
There's no need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Colombo to Nairobi.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Colombo to Nairobi flights.
Flying from Colombo
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
We make it a cinch to book a Colombo to Nairobi flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Bandaranaike International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
CMB is around 27 kilometres from central Colombo. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 40 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel close to Bandaranaike International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Colombo to Nairobi, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
75.71% of flights departing from Bandaranaike International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Arriving in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to central Nairobi takes about 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 13 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Colombo to Nairobi, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near NBO:
Pick up a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rental car and discover Nairobi and beyond with your own set of wheels. Auto-Union, Green Motion and Hertz are popular providers you can book with here.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around three weeks ahead of your Colombo to Nairobi flight.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
The centre of Nairobi is about 2 kilometres from Wilson Airport (WIL). Once your flight from Colombo to Nairobi has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 15 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take approximately 45 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Colombo to Nairobi, unwind at a hotel near WIL. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Touch down, collect your Wilson Airport rental car, and drive away without skipping a beat. Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car are top providers to take your pick of here.
Generally, the earlier you book, the more you save and the better your options. Secure your ride from WIL once your travel dates are set.
Best time to go to Nairobi
February is the quietest month for flights from Colombo to Nairobi, while July is the busiest. Choose the ideal time to visit Nairobi based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Lock in a Colombo to Nairobi ticket departing in March if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Nairobi to range from 14ºC (57ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Colombo to Nairobi in July when temperatures average between 12ºC (54ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF).
More about Nairobi
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Nairobi right here. Explore these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Colombo to Nairobi:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Nairobi National Park, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Westlands Maasai Market D at the roof top are must-visits when exploring Nairobi.
Explore more of Kenya
Nairobi will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of Kenya just waiting to be discovered. Around 434 kilometres south-east of Nairobi, a trip to Mombasa will keep you on the move. Start with attractions like Fort Jesus, Haller Park and Old Town of Mombasa.
Nakuru is another well-known destination in Kenya and is around 145 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. No trip is complete without seeing ARTHUR GARDENS (WEDDING/EVENT GROUNDS), Upper Hill estate and Muhia's Conservation Forest.